Category: Gospels
Herod’s Curiosity!
Scripture reading for April 26th: Luke 22:55-23:10
“When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see Him. From what he had heard about Him, he hoped to see Him perform some miracle. He plied Him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:8-9) This was the Herod who had earlier killed John the Baptist and was the ruler in Galilee. Herod was curious about Jesus. The news of Jesus’ miracles had reached his ears, and he wanted to meet this man. He wanted to see one of the miracles, but not so he could believe on Him! His miracles were not for entertainment or to satisfy someone’s curiosity.
This refusal to answer brought mockery from Herod and those around him. Herod had an elegant robe put on Jesus and they hailed Him as ‘king of the Jews’. Jesus looked like an unlikely ‘king’, as He stood there bruised, accused falsely, and mocked by those in authority and by the religious leaders in Jerusalem. Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate, and these two political leaders who had been enemies, became friends over dealing with Jesus. How sad to think that these who had the opportunity to find truth and eternal life, were oblivious to their own need and to Jesus who could truly help them if they would ask sincerely.
Just previous to this, Jesus had given straight answers to serious questions. When asked by the council of elders if He was the Christ, Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe Me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” They then asked point blank, “Are You then the Son of God?” He replied, “You are right in saying I am.” (Luke 22:67-70) Jesus told them truth but they did not want to believe. They had made up their minds. Using Jesus’ answer, they accused Him of blasphemy.
Each person must decide who Jesus is. Do we believe Jesus or not? The religious leaders refused to believe Him after seeing miracles. The rulers Herod and Pilate refused to believe. All rejected truth because of a lack of humility. Today is a day of decision. What will you do with Jesus?
Great drops of blood!
Scripture reading for April 25th: Luke 22:35-54
“Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in Me. Yes, what is written about Me is reaching its fulfillment.” (Luke 22:35-37)
As Jesus approached the Garden of Gethsemane where His final hours would be excruciatingly painful. He reminded His disciples about their mission and His supply of all their needs. But then He told them of their need to use what they had to care for themselves. This curious passage has caused many questions over the years. Why would Jesus tell them to buy swords? Was He advocating the use of force to defend themselves? Jesus knew what was ahead, even that very night! He knew and foretold how these disciple’s faith would be shaken and Peter and the rest would deny Him.
At the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked them to pray that they not enter into temptation and He withdrew from them a short ways and knelt down to pray. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:42-44) The spiritual conflict was intense. He was wrestling in prayer, knowing that the final fulfillment of what was written must take place. In order to accomplish His mission of saving lost sinner, He must be numbered with the transgressors and die for their sins! Great drops of blood came from His body as He earnestly prayed!
The disciples slept, Jesus woke them as Judas appeared with the band of soldiers. Judas betrayed His Master with a kiss, and the disciples wondered if the time for swords had come. One cut off the high priest’s servants ear! “But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.” (Luke 22:51) The swords were not for this night! Jesus must finish His mission! What an interesting passage to ponder!
Satan’s sifting!
Scripture reading for April 24th: Luke 22:14-24
As Satan entered Judas and he ended up betraying Jesus, so Satan was active in testing the disciples during the final hours of Jesus’ time here on earth. If you are a follower of Jesus, you also will be tested by Satan to see if your faith is sound!
“In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray Me is with Mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays Him.” They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this. Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest.”” (Luke 22:20-23) Jesus was conducting the final rites of the Passover Feast when He announced that one of the Twelve would betray Him. This caused them all to question who could or would do such a thing. Evidently, each of them thought that they would not, and they began to boast about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. Their minds and hearts were filled with pride, not humble faith.
Jesus encouraged them to pursue greatness through serving. He had set the example of serving them earlier in the meal by washing their feet. (John 13:2-17) He then turned to Peter, who was probably leading the boasting and competition. “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32) Jesus had a word of knowledge for Peter. Peter was sure he would follow Jesus even to death, but Jesus knew the truth. He prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail! Peter would be restored and he was to use his faith to strengthen his brothers. In fact, all were going to fall away on account of Him!
Jesus knows each of us. We will all have our faith sifted by Satan! Some of us will stumble and fall to temptation, but Jesus is praying for us. (Romans 8:34) By humbly turning back to Jesus, we can be restored as Peter, and strengthen our brothers!
Judas Iscariot
Scripture reading for April 23rd: Luke 21:29-22:13
Do you ever think about what it would have been like to be one of the disciples that Jesus originally chose? I would have loved to see the miracles, gotten to know the Son of God, and learned how to fish for men’s souls! These disciples were so blessed, and yet one of them did not recognize it!
“Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.” (Luke 22:1-6)
Judas was evidently aware of this plot to kill Jesus. Jesus had warned them several times prior to this about His coming death and resurrection. (Luke 18:31-33) Luke states that “Satan entered Judas” and he went to the leaders of the Jews and conspired with them to betray Jesus. He did this for an agreed upon sum of money, thirty pieces of silver. ( This is said to have been the common price of a slave in that time.) The question is how could one who had been so close to Jesus for so long allowed Satan to enter his life?
The Apostle John gives us insight into Judas’ problem. When the woman came and anointed Jesus with the expensive perfume, Judas spoke up. “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” (John 12:5-6) Judas may have started out right, but his love of money was stronger than his love for Jesus.
Sadly, this same problem can happen today in our culture! Jesus taught that it was impossible to serve God and money. Examine your life today as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Is there anything in your life that might cause you to betray your Lord?
God of the Living!
Scripture reading for April 21st: Luke 20:27-47
Are we eternal beings or just here on earth by time and chance? What happens when we die? Will there be life after death? If so, what will life after death be like? Jesus had such a discussion with the Saducees in today’s reading. These Saducees were sad you see, because they did not believe in the resurrection or heaven! (Luke 20:27)
These religious leaders called the Saducees were the ancient equivalent of the anti-supernatural believers of our day. They had trouble in thinking about the subject of resurrection because when a person died, it looked to them that it was all over. The body went into the ground and when a person was dead, they were gone forever! This view has serious implications for how we live our lives here on earth.
They came to Jesus to debate this question and try and trap Him. They asked about a situation where a man who was married had seven brothers. He passed away and according to the Law of Moses, a brother was to marry the widow and have children for his dead brother. In their story, each died in turn after having married the widow, until all seven and the widow had died and left no children. Their question for Jesus was: “Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” (Luke 20:33)
“Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry or be given in marriage, and they can no longer die: for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. …He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.” (Luke 20:34-36,38)
Jesus challenged their lack of faith in the resurrection. He explained that those who would take part in that age and the resurrection were alive. He explained from the books of Moses that God was the God of the living and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were alive! Have you accepted God’s offer to be a “child of the resurrection?” Today is the best day to respond by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ!
Pretending to be honest!
Scripture reading for April 20th: Luke 20:1-26
“The teachers of the Law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest Him immediately, because they knew He had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people. Keeping a close watch on Him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something He said so that they might hand Him over to the power and authority of the governor.” (Luke 20:19-20)
Jesus had just told a parable of a man owning a vineyard and renting it out to tenants and going away for a long time. As this owner sent servants to collect some of the fruit as rent, they mistreated these servants. The owner finally sent his son, thinking that they would respect him. These tenants got together and plotted how to kill the son and get the inheritance. When the people heard this story, they shouted, “May this never be!” (Luke 20:18b) This was the story that the Pharisees knew directly related to them. Jesus had exposed their plan to those who would listen.
These Pharisees went right on with their plot to catch and kill Jesus, the Son of God who owned the vineyard of Israel! The found some spies who would pretend to be honest! This really caught my attention. If I was going to do an acting job, how would I ‘act honest’? Would I “pretend” to be Jesus’ disciple? Would I ‘pretend’ to tell the truth, but really be lying as to my real motive? Could I act ‘sincere’ but really have murder in my heart?
That is what these fakes did! They tried to trap Jesus by asking a trick question. They asked Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus had great discerning of spirits and saw through their trap. He turned the tables on them, as usual, asking them whose inscription was on the coin. When they answered “Caesar’s”, He told them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Luke 20:25) The coin belonged to Caesar, but they had God’s image on their soul and should give themselves to God!
When it comes to Jesus, do you listen with the intent to obey? Or are you just pretending to be honest? Jesus knows the truth and will answer you accordingly! Why not drop all pretense and make Him Lord!
Recognizing your day of visitation!
Scripture reading for April 19th: Luke 19:28-48
Jesus had a plan and gave a word of knowledge. He told His disciples to go into the village of Bethany and as they entered they would find a colt that had never been ridden. They were to untie it and bring it to Him. He told them that if anyone asked what they were doing, they were to answer, “The Lord needs it.” (Luke 19:29-32) The disciples found the colt exactly as Jesus had said.
Jesus got on the colt and people spread their cloaks in the road as He approached. As He came to the place where the road goes down to the Mt. of Olives, the whole crowd began to rejoice and praise God in loud voices. They were remembering all the miracles that they had seen from Jesus. “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37-38) It seems that the crowd following Jesus and welcoming His approach to Jerusalem was anticipating the promised King who would come in the name of the Lord.
All were not joyful, however! The Pharisees in the crowd tried to get Jesus to silence those who were worshiping Him and welcoming Him as Messiah! “I tell you”, He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:39-40) Jesus knew what was imminent and in the distant future. Some of these same people would soon be calling for His crucifixion and that was to take place in a very few days. But one day, He would return as King of Kings and set up His kingdom. Those who did not want Him ruling over them would be killed in front of Him. (Luke 19:27)
Jesus wept as He entered the city of Jerusalem on the donkey. How He longed to bring true peace to the people, but they were blinded by their religion. Jesus spoke another word of knowledge. “The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone against another, because you did not recognize the day of your visitation.” (Luke 19:41-44) Have you responded to the Gospel message? Today is the only day you may have!
The high price of laziness!
Scripture reading for April 18th: Luke 19:1-27
Some people are procrastinators. They put off doing what they know needs done for many reasons. Some are afraid of failure so they just don’t do anything. Some are afraid of making a mistake so they play it safe. Others are just plain lazy, they don’t want the work it takes to become successful. Jesus told a parable about a king who went away and left some of his managers in charge of his affairs. This parable was to counter the idea that the kingdom of God was going to come immediately. It also addressed this need for diligence and the rewards or loss that can come when we do not apply ourselves to God’s business.
“A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten mina’s. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.'” (Luke 19:12-13) Jesus told this story of the ten servants with the ten mina’s. A mina was about three month’s wages in that day. In His story, the master was appointed king and returned to demand an accounting. One servant had earned ten more mina’s. He was commended, “Well done, my good servant,” and was given charge of ten cities. The next servant had earned five mina’s with his one. He was commended and given rulership of five cities. A third servant came and gave the master back his one mina. This man had an excuse–he was afraid of the master, now king! His fear caused him to hide what he had received.
The king in this story judged the man by taking away the one mina and giving it to the man who had earned ten. The king called this man a “wicked servant” because of his failure to put his money to work! “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them–bring them here and kill them in front of me.” (Luke 19:26-27) This man’s laziness and fear cost him everything! What a lesson for those who are under Christ’s authority and mandate to do His business until He suddenly comes again!
God pays well!
Scripture reading for April 17th: Luke 18:18-43
It takes faith to give away your resources to help the poor and needy. Jesus was asked by a certain ruler what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him that keeping the commandments was a good place to start. (Luke 18:19-20) This man felt that he had been keeping them since he was a boy. “When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” When he heard this, he became very sad because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:22-24)
This rich ruler knew that Jesus was a great teacher and he must have respected Him enough to ask about his eternal soul. Possibly he had been listening to some of Jesus’ prior teaching about the rich man and Lazarus and was pondering his chances of ending up in heaven or hell. (Luke 16:19-31) At any rate, Jesus answered his question by pointing him to the ten commandments. This man felt that he had kept them all since boyhood! Jesus, knowing the true state of his soul, pointed out one more thing that he lacked. This one thing, selling all his many goods and giving them to the poor proved to be too much.
This man had placed money ahead of following Jesus. He had an idol in his life that he was unaware of until Jesus showed him what he lacked. He foolishly held onto that which he could not keep and lost the precious gift of eternal life! Truth is not easy to receive when we have to let go of something dear to us. We will be tested for our willing obedience and faith when we seek eternal life and a relationship with the Lord.
The disciples who followed Jesus were promised great returns for leaving their businesses and wealth behind. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30) God pays well!
Have mercy on me, a sinner!
Scripture reading for April 16th: Luke 18:1-17
It’s easy to be self-righteous! We are prone to think very highly of ourselves and focus on the other people who are ‘worse’ sinners than we are. Church people are very often the best at this, because they think that going to church or doing something for the poor brings them into special merit with God. But God is not as impressed with our attempts to look good as we are. Jesus told a story to help His disciples better understand their need for humility.
“To some who were confident in their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told them this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers–or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'” (Luke 18:9-13)
The Pharisee went home as he came–proud and full of himself! He was oblivious to his real need of deliverance from pride. He was eager to see the faults of others, but missed the ‘log’ of self-righteousness in his own eye! He was confident in himself and his own ability to do what God required by keeping the law and earning his standing with God and failed to ask God for mercy for this fatal sin. To the rest of the world, it probably looked like this Pharisee had it right, but Jesus saw it otherwise!
Any Jewish person who worked as a tax collector was considered a ‘sinner’ by the society of Jesus’ day. But this man was humble and recognized his need of forgiveness. He confessed that he, himself, was a sinner and took ownership of his own mistakes. He did not blame God or claim to be a victim of someone else’s sin. He humbly asked God for the mercy he knew he needed. This attitude caught Jesus’ attention and Jesus said that this man went home justified! “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exhalted.” (Luke 18:14b)